Attractions and Places To See in Mayo - Top 20

The summit is relatively easy to climb, but don't be fooled into thinking you can find a way up from the valley floor. The path disappears as soon as you start the ascent. Good mobility is essential to get up there, as there are several small scree sections along the way. The descent, on the other hand, is disastrous. There's no path at all, and you have to traverse a very unpleasant, steep slope through moss and bushes. It's recommended to split the hike if you only want to reach the summit. Start from the car park at Lough Accorymore and don't attempt the circular route to the top. I really advise against doing the circular route; you won't enjoy the hike otherwise, but the view is still worth it. Just follow the route marked at the car park by the lake.

Aasleagh Falls is a pretty waterfall not far from Leenaun. It's set in a typically beautiful and mountainous Connemara landscape, where the Erriff River empties into the Killary Fjord. The intriguingly named Devilsmother rises to the east, while Ben Gorm rises to the west. This part of the Western Way can be prone to flooding. If the trail is impassable, the N59 can be used instead.

Finished the tour today and discovered that there's mostly no path there. Anyone who can't navigate the difficult terrain could find themselves in trouble, especially in foggy conditions. The summit plateau has a lot of mud and swampy areas. But it's still a great tour for advanced hikers.

The Slievemore Heritage Trail is a 3 km walking route that offers a glimpse into the island's rich history. Opened in February 2024, the trail features archaeological sites such as megalithic tombs and the Deserted Village, remnants of nearly 100 stone cottages abandoned after the Great Famine. An accompanying app provides interactive information via QR codes along the path, enhancing the visitor experience. This trail is ideal for those interested in exploring Achill Island's cultural heritage and scenic landscapes.

This is definitely a challenging trail, and should only be done with good weather and a reliable GPS device. There is mostly no trail and some scrambling to get to the top. The ascend is steep and the descend is boggy even when it hasn’t rained for a while. Due to wayfinding plan more time, we did it in five hours including breaks and photo stops.

This village is so deserted, we should play a small world cup would be very suitable: https://a-smallworldcup.com

An impressive, isolated village of ruins, located on the mountainside and accessible by foot. Heinrich Böll describes it in his Irish diary and it remains unchanged.

Ashford Castle, a stunning medieval castle on the shores of Lough Corrib near the town of Cong in County Mayo, is one of Ireland's most magnificent and historic buildings. Originally built in the 13th century by a noble Anglo-Norman family, the castle has a long and fascinating history spanning several centuries. In the 19th century, Ashford Castle was purchased and both restored and expanded by Benjamin Guinness, a member of the famous brewing family. His son, Arthur Guinness, 1st Baron Ardilaun, was responsible for creating the extensive gardens and forests, which are now decorated with exotic plants from all over the world. Since 1939, the castle has served as one of Ireland's most exclusive 5-star hotels, attracting guests from all over the world, including numerous celebrities and royalty. Visiting Ashford Castle is not only a trip back in time, but also an opportunity to experience the luxurious amenities and exceptional service of one of the world's leading hotels. The magnificent gardens and picturesque lake provide ample opportunities for walking and exploring in some of Ireland's most beautiful scenery. Access to the grounds of Ashford Castle is normally reserved for hotel guests, but there are routes to allow viewing, such as the footbridge at Monk's Fishing House behind the abbey, which offers free entry. However, visitors should inform themselves in advance about the current access conditions and possible restrictions.